Kelly Pavlik is working hard, perhaps harder than he ever has, to make weight for his April 17 fight with Sergio Martinez.  The fight, which will be televised live on HBO, is Pavlik’s biggest test since Bernard Hopkins and will either thrust ‘The Ghost’ back into the national boxing spotlight or bury the champ in mediocrity.  Top Rank Promotions and Bob Arum are handling the specifics, so all is well in that department.

Jack Loew, Pavlik’s trainer, spoke about the magnitude this fight holds for Pavlik.  “This is the most important fight of Kelly’s career.  Last year was a tough year for us and Kelly had a hard time keeping his focus.  Staph infection, fights being cancelled, even the medicine he had to take affected his performances and capabilities.  He is really focused right now and stronger than ever.”

Loew, when asked about the weight Pavlik has to lose, did not see any problems.  “He is right where he usually is at this point of training camp, right around 169 or 170.  The difference is the muscle from all of his hard work and preparation coming into camp in shape.  It’s a tough situation, but it always is.”

Should Pavlik win convincingly, bigger doors should open.  Sergio Mora just won his fight on the Jones-Hopkins undercard.  Arthur Abraham and Paul Williams would also draw a big gate. 

Sergio Martinez (44-2-2) will not be a pushover.  Martinez just took Paul Williams to his limits and lost a very controversial decision.  For all who say Pavlik ducked Williams, let this fight be a measuring stick of a common opponent that will yield answers in the comparison.

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